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I have read that the LFX 3.6 started in 2012 on in some vehicles. For the Traverse, the LLT 3.6 was used and it does not appear that the LFX was used in the Traverse at all--at least through 2017. I like the Traverse, but would avoid it for this reason. Search on Wikapedia 3.6 engine and there are charts of the engine used by year.
My mom has an 2008 CTS with 32K miles on it.
Because she drives so little, it gets the oil changed with the proper stuff at her Cadillac dealer VERY frequently... less than 2K between changes.
Car runs like a watch. I would not be afraid to own it at all.
Looking at buying a used Traverse 2012 with 92,500 mile for $10,000. Looks like its been taken care of. It does have the 3.6L engine SAAN said no issue in the 2012 + engines. Is that true?
I honestly would stay away from it. My boss has a 09 traverse with 101K he is selling for like $4500 and he states he has never had any engines problems, but the thought of a $2-3000 timing chain repair bill, just keeps me away despite the excellent price. While the issue is not as bad as it is on the 2009, I still see some folks in Traverse forums stating they has the issue on their 2012 as well. It seems like 100-125K is the magical number for that chin to stretch on on engines, and you never know if the previous person changed the oil on time either. It could last you for 4-5 years with no issue or be a $2-3000 repair bill waiting to happen.
I doubt GM truly fixed the problem. Look at the length of time GM allowed the infamous leaking intake gasket to go on in their 3.1L and other size V6 engines of the same design.
I just purchased a 2010 enclave with 144k miles on it. 2 days after purchase I had my cam shaft sensors reading the cam was over advancing. Replaced all cam shaft sensors, then the timing chain, 2 vanos in the motor, oil pump, gasket, washers added to cam shaft (which gm put 2 on the cams to keep cam in place but not 4) the motor has been pulled apart twice, and now is taken out of the truck for a total strip down. I love buicks but this truck has been a complete nightmare. From the motor issues to the Bose sound system in 2 mons of having it I am almost 12k in the hole. One more issue regardless of how good it's running now it will be getting traded in for a car with low miles and a car note.
2010-2015 Camaro with 3.6l all need the timing chains replaced, that’s what my brother’s mechanic said. My brother changed his oil and filter every 3,000 miles and just after 5 years and 50k miles, his went bad too. Cost over $2k! He used GM filters and Penzoil. I know some people that had 2 timing chains replaced under warranty before it hit 75k miles and they too changed the oil quite often. GM must have changed something in 2016 because everyone I know with the 2016 and above 3.6l Camaro never had the timing chain go bad.
Last edited by josepena1000; 12-23-2019 at 07:19 AM..
We have a 2010 Buick Enclave CXL all wheel drive with 159,000 miles. Just had the transmission rebuilt 6 months ago and other mechanical repairs. Now the timing chain is on it's way out. Have about 100,000 miles on it. The first one was replaced by the dealer under warranty. Cost to change timing chain by my mechanic is between $2500-$3000. But, because of the high mileage he recommends to replace the whole engine instead (Jasper Engines). Cost including labor $8500. My question is, is it worth it to replace the engine or just do the timing chain and hope there will be no other issues with the engine.
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